WALVIS BAY – The four suspects accused of defrauding a fishing company of N$29.9 million were denied bail during their first court appearance in the Walvis Bay magistrates’ court yesterday.
A fifth suspected has also been arrested and is due to appear in court soon, New Era was reliably informed.
Magistrate Vicky Nicolaidis remanded the accused in custody and scheduled the formal bail hearing for 11 and 12 March 2025.
The accused will meanwhile remain in custody at Narraville Police Station until that bail application hearing decides their fate.
The accused are Victoria Twelimona George, Abisai Ilifavali Ndeunyema, a representative of a fishing company, Cecilia Nakale, an administrative officer at the fisheries ministry as well as a nurse Elizabeth Kaapanda Shikongo.
They are facing charges of fraud, forgery, uttering and money laundering.
The four are accused of allegedly forging documents that resulted in a N$29.9 million loan purpotedly to set up a nursing institute.
However, documents show that the accused went on a shopping spree and that the alleged nursing school never took off.
Public Prosecutor Maggy Shiyagaya, during their brief appearance, opposed bail, stating that the case involved a serious financial crime and that the accused posed a flight risk.
“These are serious allegations, and there is a concern that the accused will interfere with witnesses or investigations. The state strongly opposes bail as it is not in the interest of justice,” Shiyagaya said.
Pregnancy
Representing the accused, lawyer Kadhila Amoomo argued for the urgent scheduling of the bail application hearing.
He told the court that his clients will apply for bail on 12 and 13 March and will resist any attempt by the state to change or postpone the set date. “This is important because it is a good two weeks from now. And the state has enough time to get its house in order,” he said.
He also said his client Nakale suffers from high blood pressure, while George is five months pregnant.
This, he said, “underscores the urgency of the bail application in the interest of the unborn child.”
Amoomo also stated that he is concerned about the media reports regarding the case.
“We also want to place on record what is concerning, which is the unmitigated media reports, which in our view impact the possibility of our clients getting a fair trial, especially the media reports that have gone on the merits of the case even before the matter is heard in court.”
According to him, the media must be responsible and report objectively, as sensationalism and speculation can damage clients right to a fair trial.
“Reporting should be factual, not based on allegations before testimony is even heard,” he said. Meanwhile, the Erongo police yesterday said they are not ready to divulge any further information about the case yet.
“We confirm that we are investigating cases as per Walvis Bay Cr.50.10.2024 fraud, theft under false pretences, forgery and uttering, and money laundering involving N$29.9 million. In this regard, five persons were arrested and have appeared in court. We are not prepared to share further details now. However, we will inform you when information is ready,” police spokesperson in the region Ileni Shapumba said yesterday.
-edeklerk@nepc.com.na